What a weekend! The main event being my brothers wedding, which was held at Ford Abbey - a stunning place! I won't bore you all with loads of photos, but here's one...
My brother and I...
It was a total success, as was - surprisingly - my speech! This was amazingly the first wedding I've ever been too. I was thrown in the deep end, but enjoyed every minute of it! : )
Oh ok, one more photo then....
The bride and groom leaving Ford Abbey...
This was Saturday, the day before though I had another excellent experience. I had to pick my suit up in Exeter early on Friday, so stayed here to watch the Royal Marines and various other army types march through the city centre at 11am. I stood right opposite this man....
The Duke of Edinburgh
It was a surprisingly moving and emotional experience. They were heading for the Cathedral where a service was held for the men and women who didn't make it back...
It was fantastic!
Ok, now for a little bit about wildlife!
First of all, thanks to various people in the know, I can add several species to my big moth catch last week. Including Scalloped Oak, Willlow Beauty, Heart and Club, Uncertain and Riband Wave. I should also mention the interest my White Satin or FIVE caused. This species has been recorded only four times in the last 15 years in Devon, that's a result! : )
Secondly, this morning I had to go in to Exeter. After I did what needed doing I nipped up to Dunsford Woods hoping for High Brown Fritillary. Nearly as soon as I got out of the car it started raining, so my search for this species was thwarted. But there was stunning compensation when I found this Purple Hairstreak sheltering from the weather....
What an insect!
Thirdly, before I went to Exeter this morning I had time for a half hour sea watch. 15 Manxies flew west, but a year tick came in the form of a Balearic Shearwater which spent a couple of minutes loitering around a distant fishing boat. I was hoping for a Stormie or two but the boat wasn't quite close enough!
My brother and I...It was a total success, as was - surprisingly - my speech! This was amazingly the first wedding I've ever been too. I was thrown in the deep end, but enjoyed every minute of it! : )
Oh ok, one more photo then....
The bride and groom leaving Ford Abbey...This was Saturday, the day before though I had another excellent experience. I had to pick my suit up in Exeter early on Friday, so stayed here to watch the Royal Marines and various other army types march through the city centre at 11am. I stood right opposite this man....
The Duke of EdinburghIt was a surprisingly moving and emotional experience. They were heading for the Cathedral where a service was held for the men and women who didn't make it back...
It was fantastic! Ok, now for a little bit about wildlife!
First of all, thanks to various people in the know, I can add several species to my big moth catch last week. Including Scalloped Oak, Willlow Beauty, Heart and Club, Uncertain and Riband Wave. I should also mention the interest my White Satin or FIVE caused. This species has been recorded only four times in the last 15 years in Devon, that's a result! : )
Secondly, this morning I had to go in to Exeter. After I did what needed doing I nipped up to Dunsford Woods hoping for High Brown Fritillary. Nearly as soon as I got out of the car it started raining, so my search for this species was thwarted. But there was stunning compensation when I found this Purple Hairstreak sheltering from the weather....
What an insect! Thirdly, before I went to Exeter this morning I had time for a half hour sea watch. 15 Manxies flew west, but a year tick came in the form of a Balearic Shearwater which spent a couple of minutes loitering around a distant fishing boat. I was hoping for a Stormie or two but the boat wasn't quite close enough!
I might actually have to go out birding again today as there is a Goosander somewhere in the valley...can I make it a double year tick day?
Is that a bit of doughnut-belly straining at the buttons of your waistcoat, Steve?!! Never mind - soon be time for yomping up and down Beer Head and Axe Cliff! ;o)
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